Kevin Costner Leading Disney Drama ‘McFarland’

Kevin Costner fans (this is probably a wide-enough contingent) will get a fill of Hollywood’s amiable middleager next year, though I suspect this new project carries more of his charm than a Superman actioner. As it were, Variety informs us the actor has either signed for (or will imminently board) McFarland, a feel-good sports drama from Niki Caro (Whale Rider, North Country).

McFarland, co-written by the helmer and actor Grant Thompson, tells the true-life story of a track coach (Costner) who, in the ’80s, operated in the Hispanic community of McFarland, California; while there, he combated the students’ various social and economic problems to make a team that, eventually, became “a championship-winning dynasty.” It’s the kind of role he’s made for, basically.

Variety describes it as a mix between Remember the Titans and Coach Carter, though the point should really be driven home by the inclusion of Mayhem’s Mark Ciardi and Gordon Gray — they were also behind Miracle, Secretariat, and Invincible. So, if a familiar (albeit uplifting) sports drama of those stripes is your thing, McFarland should be worth keeping an eye out for. Otherwise, you know where to find the door.

Does McFarland sound like a good starring role for Costner’s presence?